Urea fertilizer containing central volatilization inhibitor particles to reduce release of ammonia and processes for making same

ABSTRACT

A urea fertilizer having reduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil including a central particle having an outer surface and comprising ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the central particle, and further a process of making the fertilizer including the steps of: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to produce volatilization inhibitor particles; screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size; spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles to produce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coated inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of urea coated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules.

This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/071,286filed Mar. 24, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards new and entirely unexpectedurea fertilizers having reduced ammonia volatilization. The presentfertilizers are in a granular form and contain a central fertilizerparticle of ammonia volatilization inhibitor. The inhibitor reducesammonia volatilization resulting from the break down of urea when ureafertilizer granules are applied to soil.

From an economical and environmental stand point it is becomingincreasingly important to improve efficiency of nitrogen delivery toplants from fertilizers. One method to improve nitrogen deliveryefficiency is to reduce nitrogen losses due to volatilization. Urea,CO(NH₂)₂, is a white crystalline solid containing 46% nitrogen and iswidely used in the agricultural industry as a fertilizer. Volatilizationof ammonia occurs when urea is broken down in the soil. In order forplants to absorb nitrogen from urea, the urea must first be chemicallydecomposed as follows:CO(NH₂)₂+H₂O+urease→NH₃+H₂NCOOH→2NH_(3(gas))+CO_(2(gas))

Urease is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea, ultimatelyinto carbon dioxide and ammonia. Urease is most commonly found inbacteria, but also in fungi such as yeast and several higher plants.

Thus in soil, urease is a naturally occurring microbe enzyme thatcatalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to carbamic acid (H₂NCOOH). Carbamicacid is unstable. Decomposition of carbamic acid occurs without enzymecatalysis to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. Ammonia will bevolatilized or released to the atmosphere unless reacted with water asfollows:NH_(3(gas))+H₂O→NH₄ ⁺+OH⁻

The present invention is believed to inhibit ammonia volatilization fromurea by several mechanisms, but important mechanisms are believed to bethe inhibition of urease producing microbes, or by one mechanism oranother, interference with urease activity.

Ammonia losses can be reduced when a urease inhibitor is applied with orwithin a urea fertilizer. There are several known approaches toemploying fertilizers and reduce ammonia losses. One approach employsthe inhibitor, calcium cyanamide, as in the product, Stabl-U™, made byBi-En Corp and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,576,035, which comprisescalcium cyanamide particles that are coated with urea. Another approachuses the most common inhibitor, NBPT (N-[n-butyl]thiophosphorictriamide), sold under the trade name Agrotain®. This product is appliedas a coating to the outside surface of urea particles which preventsurease enzyme from breaking down urea for up to 14 days.

Boric acid and other boron compounds have been used as urease inhibitorsfor reducing ammonia volatilization of urea fertilizers (U.S. Pat. No.3,565,599; U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,018; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,603). Acoating product has been commercialized from these patents, produced byWeyerhaeuser, called Arborite®. Arborite is a reacted boric acid coatingthat may be used to coat the outside surface of fertilizer particles.

The melting point of urea is 270-275° F. A processing problem that isassociated with combining urea and boric acid is that when boric acid isheated to a temperature equal to or greater than 158° F., boric acidstarts to melt and decompose as follows:H₃BO₃→HBO₂+H₂O

The water formed by the above decomposition can cause process andproduct problems. The presence of high moisture content in the producturea melt may be detrimental to a urea granulation process such ascausing unwanted particle agglomeration and dust formation. Productquality is diminished due to low particle strength. Storage and handlingproperties will be undesirable due to high moisture, and low particlestrength leads to caking in bulk piles or bags.

Urea containing boric acid has a lower critical relative humidity of 50%compared to urea alone which has a critical relative humidity of 72%.This means that urea having a boric acid based coating or urea mixedwith boric acid will absorb moisture from the atmosphere at a lowerhumidity than urea alone.

In the prior art there are other known techniques used for applyingboric acid to fertilizer granules. These techniques include dissolvingboric acid into water, or reacting boric acid with amino alcohols, andthen apply the resulting fluid to the outside surface of the ureagranules. This method is disadvantageous because it requires anadditional drying step. Further, particle surface area varies withparticle size (proportionately less surface area as particle diameterincreases) and thus limits the proportional amount of boric acid thatcan be applied to the surface. Surface application is also limited tothe amount that will adhere to the surface. From a manufacturingviewpoint, surface application disadvantageously exposes manufacturingpersonnel to boric acid dust generated by handling.

Another method for incorporating boric acid into a urea containingfertilizer granule is to add these components to the urea melt prior togranulation resulting in a homogenously mixed fertilizer granule. Adisadvantage of adding boric acid to the melt is that dust generatedduring the manufacturing process will contain boric acid and potentialpersonnel exposure to the dust. Inhalation is the most significant routeof exposure in occupational settings.

Due to these aforementioned potential problems, it is believed thatthese types of products were never produced commercially.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The fertilizers of the present invention are in a granular form andcontain a central fertilizer particle of ammonia volatilizationinhibitor. The present invention is believed to inhibit ammoniavolatilization from urea by several mechanisms, including the inhibitionof urease producing microbes and/or by interference with ureaseactivity.

Embodiments of the present invention include a central fertilizerparticle comprised at a minimum of an ammonia volatilization inhibitoragent and an over-coating of urea to result in fertilizer granules thatare applied to soil. The ammonia volatilization inhibitor include forexample, boron and/or iodine compounds.

The physical structure of the present fertilizer product is novel andthe process of the present invention that was developed for making theproduct, including the central volatilization inhibitor particle and oneor more coatings, includes novel granulation steps.

Principal embodiments of the present invention include urea coatedcentral particle of boron and/or iodine compounds and are thought tohave an anti-microbial effect. In further embodiments of the presentinvention, the central particle includes anti-microbial agents,primarily acting as bactericides, which include disinfectants, cationicsurfactants, weak acids and sulfonamides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the cumulative nitrogen loss for selected product samplesover a 10 day period.

FIG. 2 shows the cumulative nitrogen loss (volatilization test results)for selected product samples set forth in Table 3.

FIG. 3 shows the cumulative nitrogen loss (volatilization test results)for selected product samples set forth in Table 4.

FIG. 4 shows the cumulative nitrogen loss (volatilization test results)for selected product samples set forth in Table 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a central fertilizer particle comprisedat a minimum of an ammonia volatilization inhibitor and an over-coatingof urea to result in fertilizer granules that are applied to soil. Thefertilizer granules are preferably applied to the soil surface, but mayalso be applied below the soil surface. The present invention isbelieved to inhibit ammonia volatilization from urea by severalmechanisms, including the inhibition of urease producing microbes and/orby interference with urease activity. Thus, in some embodiments, thepresent invention employs an agent that inhibits urease producingmicrobes and/or an agent that inhibits urease activity.

One embodiment of the present invention employs an ammoniavolatilization inhibitor which is a boron compound. The boron compoundis one compound or a combination of several boron compounds, but ispreferably boric acid. The boric acid is contained in the centralparticle and inhibits ammonia volatilization from the break down of ureawhen urea fertilizer granules of the present invention are applied tosoil. Other exemplary boron compounds employed in the present inventioninclude sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇.5H₂O), sodiumtetraborate decahydrate (Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O), and anhydrous sodiumtetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇).

For example, when the boron compound is boric acid, the central particleis entirely composed of boric acid.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the ammoniavolatilization inhibitor is an iodine compound or a combination ofiodine compounds, but is preferably potassium iodide (KI). Other iodinecompounds include sodium iodide (NaI), potassium iodate (KIO₃) andsodium iodate (NaIO₃).

For example, when the iodine compound is potassium iodide, the centralparticle is entirely composed of potassium iodide.

The iodine compound may be combined with a boron compound to comprisethe central particle, for example, a central particle composed ofpotassium iodide and boric acid.

The central particle provides a unique combination of a boron compound,or an iodine compound, or a combination of boron and iodine compoundswith urea by means of urea overcoating the particle, to yield a ureafertilizer that effectively reduces volatilization of ammonia uponapplication of the fertilizer to soil.

The central particles are over coated with urea and results in a singlecoated final product. Alternatively, the first coating of urea on thecentral particle may be a first of two coatings, wherein the firstcoating is to build up the particle size for improved processing by suchmeans as a high or even low flow fluid bed reactor to produce thefertilizer product granules, prior to receiving a second coating ofurea. In this alternative, the central volatilization inhibitorparticles with a single urea overcoat is an intermediate product, whichmay be stored or processed substantially immediately to a finalfertilizer granular product.

When the central volatilization inhibitor particle contains both boricacid and potassium iodide, then illustrative of such combinationproducts are the following product samples, identified by referencenumber, VOL-37, NP-2 and NP-17, which are described in the EXAMPLESsection of this application:

-   -   VOL-37 Containing boric acid at 0.3% boron and potassium iodide        at 0.3% iodide    -   NP-2 Containing 1% boric acid and 1% potassium iodide    -   NP-17 Containing 1.7% boric acid and 1.3% potassium iodide

In a further embodiment of the invention, the central particle containsin addition to boron compounds (e.g., boric acid) and/or iodinecompounds (e.g., potassium iodide), such plant macronutrients (alsoknown as primary nutrients) as potassium and phosphorus. In stillfurther embodiments, the central particle contains boron and/or iodineand additionally contains one or more macronutrients and/or one or moresecondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The centralparticle may additionally contain one or more micronutrients such ascopper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

The plant macronutrient compounds more particularly include thefollowing:

1) nitrogen compounds selected from the group consisting of urea,ammonia, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, diammoniumphosphate, monoammonium phosphate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate;

2) phosphorous compounds selected from the group consisting ofdiammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate,dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, and potassiummetaphosphate.

3) potassium compounds selected from the group consisting of potassiumchloride, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, monopotassium phosphate,dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, and potassiummetaphosphate.

In soil deficient in animal and more particularly, human nutrients,embodiments of the present invention include animal (human) nutrients inthe central particle. More preferably, the human nutrients include iron,zinc and iodine compounds, but also include copper, magnesium andselenium compounds. Sources for these human nutrients include ironsulfate, iron oxides, chelated iron, zinc sulfate, iron nitrate, zincoxide, chelated zinc, copper oxide, copper sulfate, copper nitrate,magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, selenium sulfateand selenium oxide. The iodine compound is preferably potassium iodide(KI) and other iodine compounds include sodium iodide (NaI), potassiumiodate (KIO₃) and sodium iodate (NaIO₃).

In a further embodiment, the central particles may also include avitamin-mineral composition to alleviate or eliminate human vitamindeficiencies. One or more vitamins are selected from such vitamins asvitamins A, C, D, E and K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 andB12, folic acid (vitamin B9), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and biotin(vitamin B7). In addition to the above described human nutrients ofiron, zinc and iodine, additional mineral nutrients are selected fromcalcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium,molybdenum, chloride, potassium, boron, nickel, silicon, tin, vanadium,and carotenoids such as lutien, and lycopene.

While the central particle may contain iodine to reduce volatilizationof ammonia, particles prepared for regions that have iodine deficientsoils contain 0.01 to 5% by wt. iodine, and more preferably contain 0.01to 1.0% by wt. For zinc deficit soils, the central particles typicallycontain 0.01 to 10% wt. zinc and more preferably 0.01 to 5% wt. zinc.For iron deficit soils, the central particle typically contain 0.01 to10% wt iron and more preferably contain 0.01 to 4% wt. iron.

The above described embodiments of the present invention, includingboron and iodine compounds, may have an anti-microbial effect. In thepresently described embodiment of the present invention, the centralparticle includes anti-microbial agents, primarily acting asbactericides, comprising the following classes and exemplary compoundsthereof:

Disinfectants

1) Sodium or potassium hypochlorite disinfectant.

2) Peroxides such as peracetic acid, potassium persulfate, sodiumperborate, sodium percarbonate, urea perhydrate.

Cationic Surfactants

1) quaternary ammonium cations including benzalkonium chloride, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride,cetylpyridinium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

2) non-quaternary compounds, such as chlorhexidine, glucoprotamine andoctenidine dihydrochloride).

Weak Acids

Weak organic acids such as sorbic acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid andsalicylic acid.

Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides including Sulfaisodimidine, Sulfanilamides, Sulfadiazine,Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadimethoxine and Sulfamethoxypyridazine.

Processes for Making the Product of the Present Invention

The processes for making the product of the present invention aredisclosed in several embodiments.

In one embodiment of the invention, the central particle is formed bygranulating a fine powder (50 to 150 microns) of boric acid using abinder such as corn syrup, other sugars, starches, lignosulfonates, PVA(polyvinyl acetate), methyl cellulose, and any other binders commonlyused for granulation. Corn syrup is preferably used as the bindingagent. The range of binding agent required on a dry basis is from 0.3 to0.9% by wt., but more preferably, 0.5 to 0.7% by wt. Further fertilizercomponents may be added to the central particle to provide nutrients,including macronutrients, micronutrients, animal nutrients and/orantimicrobial agents, as agronomical conditions warrant. Thus, theresulting central particle size is in the range of 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm andpreferably in the range of 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter depending on thedesired additive concentration. The granulation method for preparing thecentral particles can be one of a number of commonly used techniquessuch as drum granulation, pan granulation, pin-mixer, extrusion,compaction, and others. Drum granulation is the preferred method toforming the central particles.

The central particles are over coated with urea in two differentembodiments of the present invention as follows:

1) The coating in one embodiment of the invention, comprises one coatingof urea on the surface of the central particle. Application of thecoating occurs for a sufficient time to ensure an adequate amount ofurea and adequate size of the resulting granule.

The size of central particles is 0.9 to 1.5 mm and preferably 1.0 to 1.2mm. The final product granule size ranges from 2.50 to 3.60 mm andpreferably 2.5 to 2.8 mm.

The final fertilizer product granule, containing a central particle, istypically comprised of 0.01 to 5% by wt. boric acid (or other boroncompound), but preferably contains 0.01 to 1.0% by wt. boric acid (orother boron compound). In a further embodiment, the final productgranule containing the central particle contains 0.01% to 5% by wt.potassium iodide (or other iodine compound), but preferably contains0.01 to 1.0% by wt. potassium iodide (or other iodine compound).

2) The coating of urea in a second embodiment of the invention comprisestwo coating of urea. This first coating of urea is to build up theparticle size for improved processing by such means as a high or evenlow flow fluid bed reactor to produce the fertilizer product granules.The size of core particles with the first coating of urea is 0.9 to 1.5mm and preferably 1.0 to 1.2 mm. The core particles with first ureaovercoat is an intermediate product, which may be stored or processedsubstantially immediately to a final fertilizer granular product.

In addition to improving processing, the urea over coat preventsexposure of processing personnel to boric acid dust during shipping andhandling. The first urea over coat will also improve central particlestorage and handling properties.

The central particles with first coating of urea are introduced to aurea granulation process, to be coated a second time with urea, to yieldthe fertilizer granular product. The fertilizer granules each contain acentral particle near the center of the granule. The final productgranule size ranges from 2.50 to 3.60 mm and preferably 2.5 to 2.8 mm.

The final fertilizer product granule, containing a central particle, istypically comprised of 0.01 to 5% by wt. boric acid (or other boroncompound), but preferably contains 0.01 to 1.0% by wt. boric acid (orother boron compound). In a further embodiment, the final productgranule containing the central particle contains 0.01% to 5% by wt.potassium iodide (or other iodine compound), but preferably contains0.01 to 1.0% by wt. potassium iodide (or other iodine compound).

In further embodiments of the invention, during the above describedprocess of making the central particle, other desirable additives may beadded. Thus, in further embodiments, the central particle contains inaddition to boron compounds and/or iodine compounds, such macronutrients as potassium and phosphorus. In still further embodiments, thecentral particle additionally or alternatively contains macronutrientsand one or more secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, andsulfur. The central particle may additionally contain one or moremicronutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc.

The embodiment of the central particle containing boric acid hasadvantages over the known technique of applying a surface coating ofboric acid on urea granules, including the feature of central particlesize being adjusted to vary the boric acid content. Further, the productof the present invention and can achieve much higher boric acid contentsin the final product compared to coating boric acid on the surface ofurea granules. In the present product, the central particle size canalso be adjusted by granulating with inert materials if required.

The present invention is demonstrated with reference to the followingexamples, which are of an illustrative nature only and which are to beconstrued as non-limiting.

EXAMPLES Examples of the Product Containing Animal Nutrients AnimalNutrient Example 1

Nutrient Composition (%)

1% Zn, 1% Fe, 0.3% B

Nutrient Source

Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Boric Acid

Product Composition (%)

2.8% Zinc Sulfate, 5.0% Iron Sulfate, 1.7% Boric Acid, 90.5% Urea

Animal Nutrient Example 2 Corresponds to Below Animal Nutrient ProcessExample 1

Nutrient Composition (%)

1.1% N, 2.3% P, 0.88% B, 1% Multi-Vitamin

Nutrient Source

MAP (monoammonium phosphate), Boric Acid, Multi-Vitamin Tablets

Product Composition (%)

10% MAP, 5% Boric Acid, 1% Multi-Vitamin

Animal Nutrient Example 3 Corresponds to Below Animal Nutrient ProcessExample 2

Nutrient Composition (%)

1.1% N, 2.3% P, 0.18% B, 1% Multi-Vitamin, 0.76% I, 0.35% Zn, 0.2% Fe

Nutrient Source

MAP, Boric Acid, Multi-Vitamin Tablets, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Sulfate,Iron Sulfate

Product Composition (%)

10% MAP, 1% Boric Acid, 1% Multi-Vitamin, 1% Potassium Iodide, 1% ZincSulfate, 1% Iron Sulfate

Ammonia Volatilization Tests of Products

Ammonia volatilization studies have been conducted on urea fertilizergranules containing central particles comprised of boric acid and othermaterials. In addition to boric acid, other compounds were tested forinhibition of ammonia volatilization including copper sulfate, zincsulfate, single superphosphate, mono-ammonium phosphate, triplesuperphosphate, ammonium bisulfate, and citric acid. The central core ofproduct samples varied in size, however, the final product size waswithin a standard range of product sizes between 2.8 mm and 3.3 mm.

Product samples in the form of micro prills contained urea and were 0.5to 0.9 mm in size. The amount of boric acid in the micro prills wasdetermined based on the desired final product concentration.

The amount of urea was consistently the same for products containing acentral particle and products having additives to the granulation melt.

Below Table 1 sets forth a description of each product tested. Otherboron sources than boric acid were also tested including anhydroussodium tetraborate (Dehybor®—trade name) and Sodium tetraborate 10 mole(Borax®—trade name). Polyacrylamide and corn starch were also tested asadditives

TABLE 1 Products Samples Tested for Inhibition of Ammonia VolatilizationProduct Label Product Sample Description VOL-1 1% Boric Acid CentralParticle (Corn Syrup binder) over coated w/Urea VOL-2 5% Granular BoronCentral Particle over coated w/Urea VOL-3 1% Copper Sulfate CentralParticle (Calcium Ligno-sulfonate binder) over coated w/Urea VOL-4 1%Dehybor Central Particle (Calcium Ligno-sulfonate binder) over coatedw/Urea VOL-5 1% Zinc Sulfate Central Particle (Calcium Ligno-sulfonatebinder) over coated w/Urea VOL-6 10% Single Superphosphate CentralParticle over coated w/Urea VOL-7 10% MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate)Central Particle over coated w/Urea VOL-8 25% MAP Central Particle overcoated w/Urea VOL-9 50% MAP Central Particle over coated w/Urea VOL-101% Boric Acid & 1% Polyacrylamide Central Particle (Corn Syrup binder)over coated w/Urea VOL-11 5% Boric Acid & 1% Polyacrylamide CentralParticle (Corn Syrup binder) over coated w/Urea VOL-12 10% SingleSuperphosphate Central Particle (Dehydrated) over coated w/Urea VOL-1310% Triple Superphosphate Central Particle (Dehydrated) over coatedw/Urea VOL-14 5% Boric Acid Central Particle (Corn Syrup binder) overcoated w/Urea VOL-15 Urea Microprills over coated w/3% Boric Acid inUrea Melt VOL-16 Urea Microprills over coated w/3% Ammonium Bisulfate inUrea Melt VOL-17 Urea Microprills over coated w/3% Citric Acid in UreaMelt VOL-18 Urea Microprills over coated w/3% Boric Acid & 1% CornStarch in Urea Melt VOL-19 1% Borax Central Particle (Corn Syrup) overcoated w/Urea VOL-20 1% Borax Central Particle (Calcium Ligno-sulfonatebinder) over coated w/Urea VOL-21 0.5% Boric Acid Central Particle (CornSyrup binder) over coated .w/Urea VOL-22 1% Boric Acid Central Particle(Calcium Ligno-sulfonate binder) over coated w/Urea VOL-23 3% Boric AcidCentral Particle (Corn Syrup binder) over coated w/Urea VOL-24 UreaMicroprills over coated w/1% Boric Acid in Urea Melt VOL-25 UreaMicroprills over coated w/1% Boric Acid & Corn Syrup in Urea Melt VOL-26Urea Microprills over coated w/1% Borax in Urea Melt VOL-27 UreaMicroprills over coated w/1% Borax & Corn Syrup in Urea Melt VOL-28 UreaMicroprills over coated w/0.3% Copper Sulfate & 0.7% Borax in Urea MeltVOL-29 Urea Microprills over coated w/1% Copper Sulfate & 2% Borax inUrea Melt VOL-30 Urea Microprills over coated w/1% Corn Syrup in UreaMelt VOL-31 Boric Acid Central Particle @ 0.3% Boron over coated w/ureaVOL-32 Boric Acid Central Particle @ 0.6% Boron over coated w/ureaVOL-33 Borax Central Particle @ 0.3% Boron over coated w/urea VOL-34Borax Central Particle @ 0.6% Boron over coated w/urea VOL-35 UreaMicroprills over coated w/Boric Acid @ 0.6% Boron in Urea Melt VOL-36Urea Microprills over coated w/Borax @ 0.6% Boron in Urea Melt VOL-37Urea Microprills over coated w/Boric Acid @ 0.3% Boron & PotassiumIodide @ 0.3% Iodine in Urea MeltAmmonia Volatilization Test Method

Nitrogen lost, as ammonia, after soil application occurs over a longtime period. The present volatilization test was designed to simulateand quantify processes in the soil. The volatilization test apparatusand procedure utilized to evaluate the test product samples described inabove Table 1 is summarized as follows.

Procedure for Measurement of Ammonia

The test was designed to determine the volatility of a fertilizerproduct when applied to the surface of the soil. The baseline, standardthat used was one gram of urea. Each sample was placed in a sample flaskwhich contained a pre-weighed amount of soil and water. The same sourceof soil was used in all testing. Humidified air was then passed over thesample to carry any ammonia which had volatilized by the enzymes in thesoil, to a receiving flask. The receiving flask contained sulfuric acidwhich captured the ammonia. The receiving flask was then titrated todetermine the amount of ammonia volatilized from each sample.

Testing Solutions:

Mixed Methyl Red-Methylene Blue Indicator (150 mL):

-   -   Dissolve 0.2 g of methyl red in 100 mL of ethyl alcohol        (70-95%). Dissolve 0.1 g methylene blue in 50 mL of ethyl        alcohol (70-95%). Mix together.    -   Indicator was good for 30 days.        Testing Apparatus:        Manifold:    -   a. A manifold was constructed of ½ inch cpvc (chlorinated        polyvinyl chloride).    -   b. The manifold has 22 ports with a needle valve for air flow        adjustment.    -   c. The tubing from the manifold to the sample flask was        connected to a 1/16 inch hose barb on the needle valve.        2. Air Supply:    -   a. The air was supplied by an air compressor with a regulator to        control the pressure to the manifold.    -   b. The air goes through a rotameter with a control knob to        adjust the flow to the manifold (A minimum of 70 volumes of the        head space is in each sample flask during each sampling        interval, often much higher. Head space refers to the air volume        above the soil).    -   c. The air from the rotameter goes through a bubbler containing        25% sulfuric acid solution. After the sulfuric acid bubbler is a        knock out chamber to prevent any sulfuric acid mist from going        further.    -   d. The air then goes to a water bubbler to hydrate the air        before going through another knock out chamber before entering        the manifold.        3. Sample flask    -   a. The sample flask is a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask. The tubing        from the manifold is connected to the flask by a barb fitting in        a rubber stopper.    -   b. Each sample flask contained 48 grams of soil (dried and        sieved through a 12 mesh screen), 12 grams of water, and the        equivalent of one gram of urea. The materials were added to the        flasks in the order list to ensure that the sample was added to        moist soil (20-25%).        4. Receiving Flask    -   a. The receiving flask is a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask. Tubing from        the stopper on the sample flask is connected to a glass sparger        passing through a stopper to the receiving flask.    -   b. Each receiving flask contains 50 mL of 0.5N Sulfuric Acid.    -   c. The tip of the glass sparger is below the level of the acid        to allow the air to bubble through the acid and capture any        ammonia present.    -   d. The receiving flask is removed and replaced with flask        containing fresh solution at the intervals of 3, 7 and 10 days.        5. Measurement of Ammonia    -   a. The contents of each receiving flask removed at the intervals        of 3, 7 and 10 days were tested for ammonia according to the        above described Procedure for Measurement of Ammonia. The first        ten days are most critical and are sufficient to determine        reliable comparative results.    -   b. Measurements for each of the product samples are presented in        the below Tables and displayed in the attached Figures.        Ammonia Volatilization Test Results for Products in Table 2

Product samples tested in this test series included: 1% boric acid (VOL1), 5% granular boron (VOL 2), 1% copper sulfate (VOL 3), 1% Dehybor(VOL 4), and 1% zinc sulfate (VOL 5). All these products were producedas central particles containing the ammonia inhibiting agent andover-coated with urea. For comparison, a urea sample was employedwithout additive and a commercially proven (Bi-En, Stabl-U™) productwere also included in the test series. The urea employed in producingthe product samples of all test series was the same urea used for thestandard urea (solely urea). Bi-En, Stabl-U™ is a product comprising acalcium cynanamide particle coated with urea (described in U.S. Pat. No.6,576,035). The data shows that of this series, 1% boric acid (VOL 1)showed the lowest amount of ammonia released and thus performed thebest.

Note that the Bi-En, Stabl-U™ and the Agrotain® of the Table 3 seriesbelow were stand alone products used for comparative purposes. Agrotain®is the current industry standard.

Table 2 shows the test data of ammonia volatilization from the productsamples of this series. FIG. 1 illustrates the ammonia volatilizationresults in Table 2 by showing cumulative nitrogen loss (i.e. percentammonia released) for the sample products over a 10 day period. The“percent ammonia released” is the proportion (percent) of total startingnitrogen available.

TABLE 2 Ammonia Volatilization Test Results (% Ammonia Released) ProductSample Day Urea Bi-En Vol-1 Vol-2 Vol-3 Vol-4 Vol-5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30.23 0.07 0.15 0.17 0.09 0.20 0.21 7 72.29 41.38 29.21 45.95 48.01 52.3663.57 10  82.37 62.75 60.72 70.24 69.51 75.27 80.15Ammonia Volatilization Test Results for Products in Table 3

Product samples tested in this test series included: 1% boric acid (VOL1), 10% single sulfate (VOL 6), 10% MAP (VOL 7), 25% MAP (VOL 8), 50%MAP (VOL 9), 1% boric acid with 1% polyacrylamide (VOL 10), and 5% boricacid with 1% polyacrylamide (VOL 11). For comparison purposes a samplecontaining urea and a commercial available ammonia inhibitor (Agrotain®)was included. This test showed that 1% boric acid (VOL 1) performednearly as well as Agrotain®. All these products were produced as centralparticles containing the ammonia inhibiting agent over-coated with urea.

Table 3 shows the test data of ammonia volatilization from the productsamples of this series. FIG. 2 illustrates the ammonia volatilizationresults in Table 3 by showing cumulative nitrogen loss (i.e. percentammonia released) for the sample products over a 10 day period.

TABLE 3 Ammonia Volatilization Test Results (% Ammonia Released) SampleDay Urea Agrotain Vol-1 Vol-6 Vol-7 Vol-8 Vol-9 Vol-10 Vol-11 0 0   0  0   0   0   0   0   0   0   3 1.09 1.00 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.17 1.02 1.031.12 7 38.83  3.03 7.72 12.84  26.08  23.54  7.84 15.30  13.48  10 81.33  47.03  37.33  55.78  71.14  66.43  42.31  66.36  70.52 Ammonia Volatilization Test Results for Products in Table 4

Product samples tested in this test series included: 10% single sulfate(VOL 12), 10% triple super phosphate (VOL 13), 5% boric acid (VOL 14)where these were produced with a central particle over-coated with urea.An alternate method was also evaluated where the potential ammoniainhibiting agent was added directly to the melt. The following productswere prepared in this manner; 3% boric acid (VOL 15), 3% ammoniumbisulfate (VOL 16), 3% citric acid (VOL 17), 3% boric acid with 1% cornstarch (VOL 18). MAP was also included for comparison. The Agrotain®sample was urea coated with the commercial product, Agrotain®.

Table 4 shows the test data of ammonia volatilization from the productsamples of this series. FIG. 3 illustrates the ammonia volatilizationresults in Table 4 by showing cumulative nitrogen loss (i.e. percentammonia released) for the sample products over a 10 day period.

TABLE 4 Ammonia Volatilization Test Results (% Ammonia Released) SampleDay Urea Agrotain Vol-12 Vol-13 Vol-14 Vol-15 Vol-16 Vol-17 Vol-18 MAP 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 27.41 0.75 32.21 30.26 1.58 2.01 25.41 23.74 2.740.74 7 88.77 10.55 85.26 87.75 15.78 27.42 80.56 83.07 35.27 1.61 1090.81 19.52 87.05 89.48 25.08 51.62 84.67 86.28 54.11 2.09Ammonia Volatilization Test Results for Products in Table 5

Product samples tested in this test series included: (VOL-14) 5% boricacid with corn syrup binder over coated with urea, (VOL-31) Boric acidcentral particle with 0.3% boron over coated with urea, (VOL-33) Boraxcentral particle with 0.3% boron over coated with urea, (VOL-34) Boraxcentral particle with 0.6% boron over coated with urea, and (VOL-37)urea micro prills over coated with boric acid (0.3% boron) and potassiumiodide (0.3% iodine) in urea melt.

The MAP (monoammonium phosphate) sample, containing no urea, was usedfor comparison with the other sample products. In sample products VOL 7,8 and 9, MAP was employed in the sample product central particle andmeasured for ammonia volatilization inhibition.

Table 5 shows the test data of ammonia volatilization from the productsamples of this series. FIG. 4 illustrates the ammonia volatilizationresults in Table 5 by showing cumulative nitrogen loss (i.e. percentammonia released) for the sample products over a 10 day period.

TABLE 5 Ammonia Volatilization Test Results (% Ammonia Released) SampleDay Urea Agrotain Vol-14 Vol-31 Vol-33 Vol-34 Vol-37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30.05 0.19 0.15 0.08 0.06 0.09 0.19 7 40.35 13.66 2.86 13.91 14.50 10.239.62 10 65.11 47.55 14.04 34.29 33.82 27.41 26.88

The following Table 6 shows the results of measuring the total nitrogenfor each product sample. Total nitrogen was measured to determine thetotal amount of ammonia available at the start of testing.

TABLE 6 Nitrogen Analysis Sample % Average % No. Product Sample NameNitrogen Nitrogen Agrotain ® 1 45.974 45.814 Agrotain ® 2 45.654 Bi-En,Stabl-U^( ™) 1 44.070 43.482 Bi-En, Stabl-U^( ™) 2 42.894 VOL 1 1% BoricAcid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.313 45.344 VOL 1 1% Boric AcidSeed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 2 45.374 VOL 2 5% Granular Boron Seed o.c.w/Urea 1 43.366 43.169 VOL 2 5% Granular Boron Seed o.c. w/Urea 2 42.972VOL 3 1% Copper Sulfate Seed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.595 45.542 VOL 31% Copper Sulfate Seed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 2 45.488 VOL 4 1% DehyborSeed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 1 46.148 46.085 VOL 4 1% Dehybor Seed (Ligno)o.c. w/Urea 2 46.022 VOL 5 1% Zinc Sulfate Seed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 142.513 43.689 VOL 5 1% Zinc Sulfate Seed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 2 44.865VOL 6 10% Single Superphosphate Seed o.c. w/Urea 1 40.827 42.312 VOL 610% Single Superphosphate Seed o.c. w/Urea 2 43.797 VOL 7 10% MAP Seedo.c. w/Urea 1 37.985 37.982 VOL 7 10% MAP Seed o.c. w/Urea 2 37.979 VOL8 25% MAP Seed o.c. w/Urea 1 32.304 32.691 VOL 8 25% MAP Seed o.c.w/Urea 2 33.078 VOL 9 50% MAP Seed o.c. w/Urea 1 24.662 24.854 VOL 9 50%MAP Seed o.c. w/Urea 2 25.046 VOL 10 1% Boric Acid & 1% PolyacrylamideSeed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.845 45.847 VOL 10 1% Boric Acid & 1%Polyacrylamide Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 2 45.848 VOL 11 5% BoricAcid & 1% Polyacrylamide Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.336 45.318VOL 11 5% Boric Acid & 1% Polyacrylamide Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 245.299 NP 1 10% MAP, 5% Boric Acid, 1% Vitamin Seed o.c. w/Urea 1 39.03739.591 NP 1 10% MAP, 5% Boric Acid, 1% Vitamin Seed o.c. w/Urea) 240.144 NP 2 10% MAP, 1% Boric Acid, 1% Vitamin, 1% Potassium Iodide,42.174 41.955 1% Zinc Sulfate, 1% Iron Sulfate Seed o.c. w/Urea 1 NP 210% MAP, 1% Boric Acid, 1% Vitamin, 1% Potassium Iodide, 41.736 1% ZincSulfate, 1% Iron Sulfate Seed o.c. w/Urea 2 VOL 12 10% SingleSuperphosphate Seed (Dehydrated) o.c. w/Urea 1 43.089 42.839 VOL 12 10%Single Superphosphate Seed (Dehydrated) o.c. w/Urea 2 42.589 VOL 13 10%Triple Superphosphate Seed (Dehydrated) o.c. w/Urea 1 40.855 41.518 VOL13 10% Triple Superphosphate Seed (Dehydrated) o.c. w/Urea 2 42.181 VOL14 5% Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 44.854 44.850 VOL 14 5%Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 2 44.846 VOL 15 UreaMicroprills o.c. w/3% Boric Acid in Urea Melt 1 45.068 45.121 VOL 15Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% Boric Acid in Urea Melt 2 45.173 VOL 16 UreaMicroprills o.c. w/3% Ammonium Bisulfate in Urea Melt 1 44.495 44.675VOL 16 Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% Ammonium Bisulfate in Urea Melt 244.855 VOL 17 Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% Citric Acid in Urea Melt 145.361 45.283 VOL 17 Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% Citric Acid in Urea Melt2 45.204 VOL 18 Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% Boric Acid & 1% Corn Startchin Urea Melt 1 44.891 44.937 VOL 18 Urea Microprills o.c. w/3% BoricAcid & 1% Corn Startch in Urea Melt) 2 44.982 VOL 19 1% Borax Seed (CornSyrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.702 45.727 VOL 19 1% Borax Seed (Corn Syrup)o.c. w/Urea 2 45.751 VOL 20 1% Borax Seed (Ligno) o.c. w/Urea 1 45.58945.527 VOL 20 1% Borax Seed (Lingo) o.c. w/Urea 2 45.465 VOL 21 0.5%Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 1 44.401 44.324 VOL 21 0.5%Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c. w/Urea 2 44.247 VOL 22 1% Boric AcidSeed (Lingo) o.c. w/Urea 1 44.085 44.344 VOL 22 1% Boric Acid Seed(Lingo) o.c. w/Urea 2 44.603 VOL 23 3% Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c.w/Urea 1 43.971 43.815 VOL 23 3% Boric Acid Seed (Corn Syrup) o.c.w/Urea 2 43.659 VOL 24 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1% Boric Acid in UreaMelt 1 45.232 45.452 VOL 24 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1% Boric Acid inUrea Melt 2 45.671 VOL 25 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1% Boric Acid & CornSyrup in Urea Melt 1 44.803 44.557 VOL 25 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1%Boric Acid & Corn Syrup in Urea Melt 2 44.311 VOL 26 Urea Microprillso.c. w/1% Borax in Urea Melt 1 44.545 44.607 VOL 26 Urea Microprillso.c. w/1% Borax in Urea Melt 2 44.668 VOL 27 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1%Borax & Corn Syrup in Urea Melt 1 44.603 44.706 VOL 27 Urea Microprillso.c. w/1% Borax & Corn Syrup in Urea Melt 2 44.809 VOL 28 UreaMicroprills o.c. w/0.3% Copper Sulfate & 0.7% Borax in Urea Melt 145.125 45.219 VOL 28 Urea Microprills o.c. w/0.3% Copper Sulfate & 0.7%Borax in Urea Melt 2 45.312 VOL 29 Urea Microprills o.c. w/1% CopperSulfate & 2% Borax in Urea Melt 1 44.787 44.803 VOL 29 Urea Microprillso.c. w/1% Copper Sulfate & 2% Borax in Urea Melt 2 44.818 VOL 30 UreaMicroprills o.c. w/1% Corn Syrup in Urea Melt 1 45.020 45.202 VOL 30Urea Microprills o.c. w/1% Corn Syrup in Urea Melt 2 45.384 VOL 31 BoricAcid Seed at 0.3% Boron o.c. w/Urea 44.815 44.977 VOL 31 Boric Acid Seedat 0.3% Boron o.c. w/Urea 45.138 VOL 32 Boric Acid Seed at 0.6% Borono.c. w/Urea 40.283 40.306 VOL 32 Boric Acid Seed at 0.6% Boron o.c.w/Urea 40.328 VOL 33 Borax Seed at 0.3% Boron o.c. w/Urea 43.979 44.570VOL 33 Borax Seed at 0.3% Boron o.c. w/Urea 45.160 VOL 34 Borax Seed at0.6% Boron o.c. w/Urea 43.725 43.973 VOL 34 Borax Seed at 0.6% Borono.c. w/Urea 44.221 VOL 35 Urea Microprills o.c. w/Boric Acid at 0.6%Boron in Urea Melt 45.024 44.939 VOL 35 Urea Microprills o.c. w/BoricAcid at 0.6% Boron in Urea Melt 44.854 VOL 36 Urea Microprills o.c.w/Borax at 0.6% Boron in Urea Melt 43.986 44.090 VOL 36 Urea Microprillso.c. w/Borax at 0.6% Boron in Urea Melt 44.193 VOL 37 Urea Microprillso.c. w/Boric Acid at 0.3% Boron & Potassium Iodide at 0.3% 44.850 44.933Iodide in Urea Melt VOL 37 Urea Microprills o.c. w/Boric Acid at 0.3%Boron & Potassium Iodide at 0.3% 45.015 Iodide in Urea Melt

PROCESS EXAMPLES Example 1 Process for Producing Sample Product VOL-14

Sample fertilizer granules containing central particles of 5% boric acidwere prepared by first granulating the central particles. Powdered boricacid was granulated with corn syrup as the binder using a pangranulator. Binder content in the final central particles was 7.0% (drybasis). Screening the central particles to a preferred central particlesize of 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm.

Industrial grade urea was melted and sprayed to overcoat the centralparticles. The urea over-coating drum was 20″ in diameter, 5″ wide, 2″deep, with forty-1″ lifting flights mounted 1½″ apart inside the drum toassist in forming a falling curtain during melt spray granulation. Thestainless steel granulation drum was mounted on a variable speed base.Approximately 1 pound of central particle material was placed inside thedrum to form a falling curtain. The drum speed during granulation was35-40 rpm.

Industrial grade urea granules were melted in a stainless steel tubemelter. The steam pressure on the tube melter was 55-60 psig. The moltenurea was transferred to a stainless steel holding tank. The molten ureawas applied to the central particles in the drum, using a steam jacketedpositive displacement 30:1 hydraulic pump. A Spraying Systems 650025hydraulic nozzle and 200 mesh stainless steel strainer was used to spraythe molten urea. Spraying pressure was 400 to 600 psig. The coatedparticles were continuously recycled into the coating drum until thegranules reached a desired particle 2.80 to 3.30 mm. The material wasremoved from the granulation drum and allowed to cool before the sampleswere bagged.

Example 2 Process for Producing Sample Product VOL-24

Another process embodiment for adding boric acid to urea was to dissolveit directly into molten urea prior to granulation. A urea productconsisting of 1.0% boric acid was prepared by dissolving 78 grams ofboric acid in 10.85 lbs of urea. The mixture was held at 280 to 290 F.

The granulation drum was 20″ in diameter, 5″ wide, 2″ deep, withforty-1″ lifting flights mounted 1½″ apart inside the drum to assist informing a falling curtain during melt spray granulation. The stainlesssteel granulation drum was mounted on a variable speed base.Approximately 1 pound of urea central particle material was placedinside the drum to form a falling curtain. The drum speed duringgranulation was 35-40 rpm.

Industrial grade urea was melted in a stainless steel tube melter. Thesteam pressure on the tube melter was 55-60 psig. The molten urea wastransferred to a stainless steel holding tank where boric acid powderwas added. The molten urea boric acid mixture was then granulated in therotary granulation drum. A steam jacketed positive displacement 30:1hydraulic pump was utilized to spray the mixture. A Spraying Systems650025 hydraulic nozzle and 200 mesh stainless steel strainer was usedto spray the molten mixture. Spraying pressure was 200-300 psig. Thegranules were continuously recycled into the granulation drum until thegranules reached a desired particle size of 3.3 mm. The material wasremoved from the granulation drum and allowed to cool before the sampleswere bagged.

Example 3 Process for Producing Sample Product VOL-37

Another process embodiment for adding boric acid and iodine to urea wasto dissolve it directly into molten urea prior to granulation. A ureaproduct consisting of 0.3% boron and 0.3% iodine was prepared bydissolving 80 grams of boric acid and 18 grams of potassium iodide in9.94 lbs of urea. The mixture was held at 280 to 290 F.

Granules were then granulated as described in example 3.

Process Examples for Anti-Microbial Agent Embodiments

The following are non-exclusive examples of the anti-microbial agentembodiment of the present invention for each of the above describedclasses of anti-microbial agents:

Disinfectant Examples Disinfectant Example 1

5 grams of sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite granules (0.5 mm)are over-coated with 995 grams of molten urea to form a 2.8 mm finishparticle. Urea is melted and hydraulically sprayed in either a fluid-bedor drum coating apparatus. The final product concentration is 0.50% bywt. sodium or calcium hypochlorite.

Disinfectant Example 2

5 grams of potassium persulfate granules (0.5 mm) are over-coated with995 grams of molten urea to form a 2.8 mm finish particle. Urea ismelted and hydraulically sprayed in either a fluid-bed or drum coatingapparatus. The final product concentration is 0.50% by wt. potassiumpersulfate.

Cationic Surfactant Example

A surfactant such as benzalkonium chloride is added to the surface ofurea granules. The coating percentage is 0.2% by weight. 2 grams ofbenzalkonium chloride are added to 998 grams of urea by spraying asolution of benzalkonium chloride. The urea granules are then dried in afluid bed or drying drum.

Weak Acid Example

10 grams of benzoic acid powder are applied to 985 grams of ureagranules. 5 grams of coating additive such as mineral oil is appliedprior to the benzoic acid powder addition to adhere the powder to theurea surface. Resulting product contains 1% by weight benzoic acid.

Sulfonamide Example

5 grams of sulfadiazine powder are applied to 990 grams of ureagranules. 5 grams of coating additive such as mineral oil is appliedprior to the sulfadiazine powder addition to adhere the powder to theurea surface. Resulting product contains 0.5% by weight sulfadiazine.

Process Examples for Producing Product Having Central Particle FurtherComprising Animal Nutrients Animal Nutrient Process Example 1

Fertilizer granules were produced comprised of central volatilizationinhibitor particles containing (by wt.) 10% mono-ammonium phosphate(MAP), 5% boric acid and 1% vitamin-mineral composition. The centralvolatilization inhibitor particles were over-coated with urea. Thecentral volatilization inhibitor particles were produced by granulatingpowdered MAP, boric acid, and a vitamin-mineral composition to form thecentral volatilization inhibitor particles. The vitamin-mineralcomposition contains the following components: vitamins A, C, D, E andK, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, folic acid, biotin,pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc,selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, potassium,boron, nickel, silicon, tin, vanadium, lutien, and lycopene. See thefollowing Table 7 for a complete list of components and their amounts.

Industrial grade urea was melted and sprayed to overcoat the centralvolatilization inhibitor particles. The urea over-coating drum was 20″in diameter, 5″ wide, 2″ deep, with forty-1″ lifting flights mounted 1½″apart inside the drum to assist in forming a falling curtain during meltspray granulation. The same type of drum was used to make the centralvolatilization inhibitor particles except that the drum contained noflights. The stainless steel granulation drum was mounted on a variablespeed base. Approximately 1 pound of central volatilization inhibitorparticles was placed inside the drum to form a falling curtain. The drumspeed during granulation was 35-40 rpm. The fertilizer granules wereproduced by this process.

TABLE 7 Vitamin-Mineral Composition “Equate (Tm) Complete Multivitamin”Supplement Facts Serving Size: Amount Per Serving: 1 Tablet % DV VitaminA (29% as Beta Carotene) 3500 I.U.  70% Vitamin C 90 mg 150% Vitamin D400 I.U. 100% Vitamin E 30 I.U. 100% Vitamin K 25 mcg  31% Thiamin (Vit.B1) 1.5 mg 100% Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 1.7 mg 100% Niacin 20 mg 100%Vitamin B6 2 mg 100% Folic Acid 500 mcg 125% Vitamin B12 6 mcg 100%Biotin 30 mcg  10% Pantothenic Acid 10 mg 100% Calcium 200 mg  20% Iron18 mg 100% Phosphorus 109 mg  11% Iodine 150 mcg 100% Magnesium 100 mg 25% Zinc 11 mg  73% Selenium 55 mcg  79% Copper 0.9 mg  45% Manganese2.3 mg 115% Chromium 35 mcg  29% Molybdenum 45 mcg  60% Chloride 72 mg 2% Potassium 80 mg  2% Boron 150 mcg ** Nickel 5 mcg ** Silicon 2 mg **Tin 10 mcg ** Vanadium 10 mcg ** Lutein ‡(Tagetes erecta) (flower) 250mcg ** Lycopene 300 mcg ** **Daily Value (DV) not established. OtherIngredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Potassium Chloride,Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, CornStarch, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Polyvinyl Alcohol,Gelatin, Croscarmellose Sodium, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Crospovidone,Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Polyethylene Glycol,Talc, Manganese Sulfate, Silicon Dioxide, Acacia, Maltodextrin,Hypromellose, Pyridoxine Hydrocholride, Glucose, Cupric Sulfate,Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Acetate, Boric Acid,Sucrose, Folic Acid, Beta Carotene, Yellow 6 Lake, Chromium, Picolinate,Lycopene, Lutein, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molydate,Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Asorbate, Tocopherols, Red 40 Lake,Phytonadione, Biotin, Sodium Metavanadate, Nickelous Sulfate, StannousChloride, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Animal Nutrient Process Example 2

Fertilizer granules were produced comprised of central volatilizationinhibitor particles containing (by wt.) 10% mono-ammonium phosphate(MAP), 1% boric acid, 1% vitamin-mineral composition, 1% potassiumiodide, 1% zinc sulfate and 1% iron sulfate. The central volatilizationinhibitor particles were over-coated with urea. The centralvolatilization inhibitor particles were produced by granulating powderedMAP, boric acid, vitamin-mineral, potassium iodide, to form the centralvolatilization inhibitor particles. The vitamin-mineral composition isthe same as in Example 1.

The central volatilization inhibitor particles were over-coated withurea and fertilizer granules produced by the process as described inExample 1.

While only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that thereare many possible variations and modifications which may be made in theexemplary embodiments while yet retaining many of the novel andadvantageous features of this invention. Accordingly, it is intendedthat the following claims cover all such modifications and variations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process of making a urea fertilizer havingreduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil, comprising thefollowing steps: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compoundscontaining one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to producevolatilization inhibitor particles, wherein the ammonia volatilizationinhibiting compounds are selected from the group consisting ofdisinfectants, cationic surfactants, weak acids and sulfonamides;screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size;spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles toproduce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coatedinhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of ureacoated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules. 2.The process of claim 1, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibitingcompound is boric acid, present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by wt. 3.The process of claim 1, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibitingcompound is potassium iodide, present in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by wt.4. The process of claim 1, further including the following steps: aftercooling the granules, spraying melted urea on the surface of thegranules to produce a second coating on the central volatilizationinhibitor particles; granulating the second coated centralvolatilization inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to producetwice coated urea granules containing central volatilization inhibitorparticles; and cooling the twice coated granules.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of cornsyrup, sugars, starches, lignosulfonates, polyvinyl acetate, and methylcellulose.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of binder rangesfrom 0.3 to 0.9% by wt.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the ammoniavolatilization inhibiting compound is an agent that inhibits ureaseproducing microbes, said agent being selected from the group consistingof sodium iodide, potassium iodate and sodium iodate.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting of sodiumhypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, potassiumpersulfate, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, and urea perhydrate.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibitingcompound is an anti-microbial agent selected from the group consistingof benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide or cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride,cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine,glucoprotamine and octenidine dihydrochloride.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid,benzoic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting ofsulfaisodimidine, sulfanilamides, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole,sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethoxypyridazine.
 12. A method of reducingvolatilization of ammonia from urea fertilizer upon application of thefertilizer to soil comprising: applying a urea fertilizer to soilwherein the fertilizer comprises a central particle having an outersurface and including ammonia volatilization inhibiting compoundscontaining one or more of boron and iodine that have been granulatedwith a binder, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the centralparticle, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds areselected from the group consisting of disinfectants, cationicsurfactants, weak acids and sulfonamides.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is boric acid,present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% by wt.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is potassiumiodide, present in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by wt.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting ofcorn syrup, sugars, starches, lignosulfonates, polyvinyl acetate, andmethyl cellulose.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the ammoniavolatilization inhibiting compound is an agent that inhibits ureaseproducing microbes, said agent being selected from the group consistingof sodium iodide, potassium iodate and sodium iodate.
 17. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting of sodiumhypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, potassiumpersulfate, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, and urea perhydrate.18. The method of claim 12, wherein the ammonia volatilizationinhibiting compound is an anti-microbial agent selected from the groupconsisting of benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide orcetyl trimethylammonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride,cetylpyridinium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine,glucoprotamine and octenidine dihydrochloride.
 19. The method of claim12, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid,benzoic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.
 20. The method of claim12, wherein the ammonia volatilization inhibiting compound is ananti-microbial agent selected from the group consisting ofsulfaisodimidine, sulfanilamides, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole,sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethoxypyridazine.